bit-tech Shopping: AMD Processor - 1 x AMD Athlon X2 4850e / 2.5 GHz Energy Efficient - Socket AM2 - L2 1 MB - Box

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: Low Power, 45 Watts, 64 bit, Virtualization Technology, AMD heatsink and fan included in this retail kit which I purchased. Works great with Blu Ray & HD DVD playback.

Weaknesses: None!

Summary: I built a Home Theatre PC using this low cost very fast AMD CPU Heatsink & Fan combination along with an ASUS M3A78-EM motherboard. This new system outperforms my old 3 Ghz. Pentium 4 by far and the power savings alone will pay for itself in a short time. System is very quiet compared to my old Pentium 4 system. Works great with Blu Ray & HD DVD playback too.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 7 Days

Strengths: Only 45W rated power usage, powerful enough for HD playback

Weaknesses: None as long as you are not expecting the most powerful CPU

Summary: I put this in my HTPC build and it works great. Coupled with an aftermarket cooler and a good case, it stays quiet and cool, even when playing HD content. Working great for me so far.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 5 Days

Strengths: Low power consumption, big bang for the dollar

Weaknesses: none so far

Summary: I bought this processor for a home server/HTPC build. It is perfect for its low power consumption and is more than powerful enough for what I plan to use it for. I have had three systems in the past with AMD processors and this one is best of the lot due to the power and low cost.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Low energy consumption of 45W. Runs cool. Fast for HD playbacks.

Weaknesses: May not beat Intel C2D performance-wise but this CPU isn't targeted at hardcore gamers to begin with.

Summary: Installed this in my HTPC with Gigabytes GA-MA78GM-S2H, Toshiba HD-DVD and Antec Fusion case. Works very well in conjunction with the 780G chipset and onboard video. Played several HD DVD movies without any hiccups and CPU load stayed low. Paired the CPU with Scythe mini Ninja in passive cooling mode. Temperature stays low even when I was playing HD DVD. Excellent CPU for HTPC and you save both your energy bill and the Earth. :)